Crime Stoppers for the week of April 5, 2004

The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers, would like your help in solving a homicide.

On March 20, 2004, at about 2:00 a.m., police responded the report of an assault at Helena’s Place restaurant and bar, in the 500 block of NE Columbia Blvd. When officers arrived they found 34-year-old Aaron A. Crews inside, suffering from apparent stab wounds. Crews was transported to Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, where he later died from multiple stab wounds.

Helena’s Place was crowded with about seventy-five patrons the night Crews was killed. A fight broke out involving several people, including Crews. It is not clear what the fight was about. The fight disrupted normal business and drew the attention of people inside the establishment including patrons and employees. After Crews was stabbed, a disturbance continued outside the restaurant until police arrived.

While detectives have interviewed people who were there, they are still looking for witnesses who saw what happened, and overheard what was said. They are interested in talking to anyone with any information about this homicide.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony crime, and you may remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (4357).